CH 22

22 Small Animal is Cute

“U~h… E-Excuse me!!!”

The blonde haired girl (chick girl) suddenly exclaimed, looking up at me with upturned eyes filled with unshed tears before she left her seat in a hurry. Seeing such a sight left me dumbstruck.

Uuh~, let’s see… maybe I should go after her? I should, shouldn’t I? I thought as I uncertainly looked at Frederick, silently asking him what I should do. At this time, he pointed toward the direction the blonde girl was fleeing to with his chin, silently telling me to go after her.

With pleasure, buddy! My eyes lit up in delight. At that moment, I was really happy. I finally had an excuse to leave this colorful ranger and senshi’s squad gathering! Hence, I couldn’t help but cheer inside. Thank you very much, blonde girl (chick)! You saved me!

“Theodore-sama.”

Richard immediately came to my side as soon as he saw I was about to leave my seat, calling out in a respectful and soft voice.

“Richard, please take a lot of beverages, sweets, and dishes from the table. After that, make sure to bring those things with you and follow me to go after that girl. Then, you can leave the rest to me. If it’s too heavy for you, go to ask Kevin for help. Quick. I’ll go after that girl now. She seems to be heading toward the garden, so head there once you’re done here. Still, to be prepared, I’ll make sure to leave a message to the palace guard along the way, so do ask them if you don’t find us there. Do you understand?” I instructed.

“She’s not ‘that girl’, Theodore-sama. She’s a viscount’s daughter, Muriel Amber.” Richard revealed, before he lowered his head in dejection as he apologized. “My apologies, it’s my fault. I should have introduced everyone’s name when you came in.”

“It can’t be helped. You had no chance to inform me about that, after all. Anyway, for now, please prepare what I told you immediately. I need to go after her.”

“Understood.”

With that, I parted ways with Richard, immediately heading toward the garden to go after the chick. Along the way, whenever I saw the palace guard who was patrolling the area, I would ask them about the location of that blonde girl (chick). Then, I would request them to guide my attendant who will come later on to direct him to me.

From the palace guards I met on the way, I came to know that the blonde girl (chick) seemed to be heading toward a place called ‘Rose’s Maze’. After getting the direction, I went there, planning to ask the palace guards patrolling over there the exact location of the blonde girl (chick).

Of course, I only headed toward the maze after I had thanked the palace guard for showing the way. Fortunately, the route was fairly straightforward, so I didn’t get lost and finally arrived at a place with a lot of rose walls.

According to the soldier who was guarding the entrance gate of the maze, which was made entirely from rose’s briars, the blonde girl (chick) indeed went into the maze. However, the palace guard assured me that the maze was fairly simple, so the chance of a child losing their way inside was miniscule.

Furthermore, the soldier also stated that they had closed the exit of the maze today, and the only way out of there was from the entrance which he was guarding over. Therefore, there was no possibility of the blonde girl (chick) to get out of the maze without him knowing.

He even told me that there was a plaza with a water fountain inside the maze, and it was highly possible that the chick was there, since the palace had set tables and chairs for tea parties prepared in that plaza as well.

After thanking him for all the information he had given, I asked him to guide my attendant to the plaza when he came by later. Then, I went straight into the maze and headed towards the plaza following the kind guard’s direction.

I followed the path for a while and passed two corners before I arrived in front of the plaza. It was an extremely beautiful place with roses of various colors such as red, pink, or gold blooming together.

A low water fountain was built in the middle of the plaza, surrounded by several tables that were set for tea parties. There, I found the blonde haired girl (chick) sitting at a table that was hidden from my direct line of sight due to the water fountain’s existence, accompanied by her maid.

Adjusting my breath, I walked toward her, acting just like a soldier preparing for a ‘do or die’ mission.

“… Chick, chick… I’m… not a chick… hiccup!”

As I neared their location, I could hear the sniffling murmur of the blonde haired girl (chick).

“Indeed, but I have to remind you, milady. Opening your mouth widely like that to accept that cookie is an improper act for a lady… And as much as you can’t forgive him for calling you a chick, you must remember that such a thing wouldn’t happen if you would only remind Marquis-sama’s son about his proper seat, milady.”

“B-But, it happened so fast that I couldn’t react properly. Moreover, for some reason, everyone was being scary. W-Why do they look so scary?! I-I mean, normally, dear big brother and his friends are really kind! So, why?!”

“That’s…”

At this point of time, I opened my mouth and interrupted their conversation.

“That’s because everyone is vexed by me, Miss Muriel Amber. They’re not angry at you, they’re angry at me.”

Henceforth, I stood in front of Muriel (chick girl) and purposefully spoke to her using uncommon words that befitted nobility, trying to sound as polite as possible. Before the other party could react, I continued on and offered my apologies.

“My apologies for calling you a chick back then. I had thoughtlessly blurted out my honest impression upon seeing the extremely adorable face you make when you ate the cookie. I know that it’s rude of me to call you that since it only brings you humiliation. For that, I offer you my deepest apologies. I’m going to reflect on that blunder of mine and endeavor to not make the same mistake twice.”

After delivering my heartfelt apology, I bowed to the chick.

“U, UEEEE?!”

My intention was to apologize, but it seemed that I had caused more confusion instead. I wondered why?

“Milady! It’s now up to you to decide whether you’ll forgive him… or not!” Her maid whispered, dragging her back to her senses.

“E, uhm, p-please raise your head first.”

“No. This is my punishment for embarrassing you. Therefore, I won’t raise my head until you forgive me.”

“Au~~, I-I forgive you! S-So p-please raise your head now~!”

Initially, I thought I had to repeat this conversation for at least three more times as well as bow my head before she would forgive me, but it turned out there was no need for that as she immediately forgave me at once. Although, it seemed she did it because she was troubled by my action. Nevertheless, as she had forgiven me and permitted me to do so, I raised my head.

When I looked at her, I saw that Muriel was as flustered as her voice had suggested. And looking at her bright red face that was on the verge of crying as well as her tightly shut lips that were trembling lightly, I couldn’t help the throb in my heart.

A~h, what is this adorable creature? Her troubled face was truly adorable. She looks just like a small adorable animal that makes you want to pet her.

“Allow me to re-introduce myself. I’m the son of Owen Goldberg, Theodore. And I offer my deepest apology for my previous unkind remark back there that had hurt your feelings. I will be extremely grateful for your forgiveness.”

I first apologized to her properly in the noble style. Then, I waited for her response, as proper. Sure enough, seeing my action, Muriel took a deep breath and pinched the tip of her skirt as she bowed lightly with one of her legs pulled back a bit in standard pose.

“I’m the daughter of Evan Amber, Muriel, and I accept your heartfelt apology. However, Theodore-sama, please don’t call me a chick again. Furthermore, I also offer my apologies to you for leaving my seat on my own convenience. Please tell everyone of my heartfelt apology as well.”

So, you’re indirectly telling me to go back to that hell, huh? I raised one of my eyebrows lightly in realization. In that case, I could only say my bad. After all, I absolutely had no intention to go back to that hot seat. Anyway, that was the reason I had made prior preparation to ensure my escape plan was perfect. So, sorry chick, your wish would not be granted.

“I also wanted to convey your apology to the rest, but more than that, I wanted to spend some more time with you. What do you think, milady? Shall we have a light chat while enjoying a light meal together?” I asked as I pointed toward the other side of the water fountain.

Over there, the figures of Kevin and Richard could be seen approaching our direction. It was not only those two, there were also some waitresses coming with them. Furthermore, they were also pushing a small cart with some delectable looking dishes on it.

Nice timing.

Meanwhile, beside me, Muriel couldn’t hide her shock.

“Let’s go.” I said, not letting her refuse my invitation as I took her hand, half-forcing her to go toward the meal prepared by Kevin and Richard.

Phew, Duke Lilac’s daughter’s (Drill) tactic is surely powerful. Her ‘going at my own pace without letting any gap for the other party interrupt’ really works like a charm!

“UEEE?!” Muriel exclaimed. However, she could only helplessly follow me as we arrived before the cart.

The cart itself had two compartments, and both were filled to the brim with dishes. At this point, the waitresses came up to give us a hand. Then, after laying a cloth on the table, they even considerately prepared cushions for our chairs.

Then, once I guided Muriel to her seat, I also sat down. Before us, there were plates containing various kinds of sweets and dishes lined up on the table.

“Uwaaa.”

Like I had expected, her eyes shone brightly the moment she saw the foods on the table. There was no doubt about it, this girl is a big eater. In other words, a foodie. Although there was a concern in regard to her weight, it seemed that she didn’t show a trend of becoming a fat girl at the moment. Therefore, finishing all these foods shouldn’t be a problem.

“Okay, here you go.”

She happily chomped on the sandwich I presented toward her, smiling that blissful smile.

Yup, that blissful smile is adorable. I thought, looking at her eating. Truly, watching her eat so blissfully like this was a blessing to my heart. It healed my weary mind. I also couldn’t help but try to take a bit of the sandwich when I saw her looking so joyful as she ate.

Chomp…

Savoring the food, I nodded my head inwardly. Yup, it is indeed delicious.

“Richard, you should eat too. After all, no one will see us in this place, so it should be alright. Waitresses-san and Miss Muriel’s maid, too, come eat.” I beckoned to them. However, everyone refused. In the end, I looked at Kevin.

“What about me, Young Master?”

“You just enjoy the sight of us eating.”

“(Hiccup) So crueel?!”

“I’m just joking. Here, it’s delicious.” I giggled, presenting lots of sandwiches toward him, heart filled with gratitude for all the help he had given me so far. Receiving the sandwiches, Kevin ate happily.

“Yup, this is so delicious. To think that the people in the royal palace always enjoy this kind of meal…”

“Right? I wonder if our chefs can replicate its recipe?”

“Maybe not. Unless we got the recipe right from them…”

Kevin said idly as he offered the plate loaded with sandwiches toward the waitresses so they could try it too. As expected of Kevin! Now, the waitresses could no longer reject, since it didn’t come from me directly. Hence, they nodded slightly to me and ate the sandwiches. After all, the sandwiches were really delicious and should not be wasted.

“Here Richard, you too.” I forced a macaron into his mouth as my attendant insisted on keeping his mouth shut.

“It’s delicious, right?”

“… Uhgu… Yesh.” Richard choked out, face red.

Tsk. There’s no need to feel ashamed really. Why don’t you try to act a little bolder like Kevin?

“Then, that maid too. Here.” I said, offering the sandwich to Muriel’s maid as well.

However, she politely declined the offer, stubborn. So, I whispered to Muriel, causing her to look really delighted. She then immediately held a macaron in the direction of her maid’s mouth and said, “Sheila, a~n.”

“Muriel-sama, that’s…”

“A~~~n.”

“…”

“A~~~n?”

“… A-A~~~n.” Defeated, Muriel’s maid hesitantly opened her mouth and allowed Muriel to feed the macaron to her.

“Is it delicious?”

“Yesh, it’s really delicious.”

Muriel’s expression immediately lit up when she heard her maid’s reply. And once again, I felt my heart was shot by an arrow.

Dear me, such a nice smile. Her smile alone is the best feast for my eyes. I’m heale~d! So, let this nii-chan give you a reward. No need to thank me for that. After all, your smile healed my heart. I decided, opening the bag that I entrusted on Kevin’s hand, where I had kept a few of my laceworks in.

Then, I spread them on the table, showing them to Muriel.

“Uwaa~ so pretty.”

“I personally knitted all of them. Allow me to give this as a symbol of our friendship today. Feel free to choose any one of them.”

“Really?!”

“Yeah.”

Muriel looked at each of them with a sparkle in her eyes. In the end, her eyes fell on a wide ribbon that was embroidered with several small flowers in the center. That was the one she chose.

It was really hard to tie it up, though, so I made it into a horseshoe shaped hair band and set it on her head. The result was as I expected, it matched very well with her blonde hair.

“Yup, you look really cute.”

“Hyauu~. T-Thank you… very much.”

At this point, Muriel’s face had turned bright red, looking almost like a ripe tomato. Seeing this sight, my hand suddenly moved on its own, patting her head gently. I couldn’t help it! She looked as if she was an extremely adorable small animal just now!

Still, for some inexplicable reason, her face that was already flushed red turned even redder.

So, I grabbed Miss Muriel’s hand, thinking that it was the right moment to bring her back to the venue (for children). However, the moment I did so, THAT came out from the thicket.

“THE HECK?! LET THEODORE’S HAND GO, YOU DULL WOMAN! HE IS MINE!” A pink haired female monkey, who appeared out of nowhere, suddenly shouted at Muriel.

………………

You fu*cking bi*tch! How dare you call the adorable creature who heals my weary heart a dull woman! What ARE you?!

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TN : Pink Monkey Appeared!

Fight

Run

>Kill